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Ultralight Thermal Protection System (U-TPS)
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Description
The PI will attempt to formulate a suspension of aerogel particulate within a resin and with other additives for coatings.
Benefits
The goal is to produce aerogel coatings that can be used for ascent thermal protection at reduced mass. Lower mass and/or lower thickness for insulation applications such as propulsion units/tanks, entry vehicles, etc. On Earth, there is potential for residential insulation application as well as commercial applications such as hot pipe outter layers.
Details
| Technology area | Thermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems > Measurement and Control |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2018-10-01 |
| End date | 2019-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.